This is the first plate (of three) of Ortelius' world map. It is a simplified one-sheet reduction of Mercator's large world map which had appeared in 1569. From surviving correspondence, it is known that Mercator generously encouraged Ortelius to make use of his published corpus of research; he also provided him with co-ordinates of places in America and perhaps elsewhere. South America retains the unusual bulged south-west coast drawn by Mercator. There is also a prudent comment adjacent to New Guinea querying whether this large island is part of the southern continent or not.